These Arms of Mine Page 17

  “Good morning.” He smiled tenderly at her.

  “Good morning.” Her response was given a little shyly.

  “How are you feeling?” He eyed her closely.

  “Much better.” She paused before adding, “Thank you, Derrick.”

  “You’re welcome, Alesha.” He stared at her as if he couldn’t bear to tear his eyes away.

  She returned his intense gaze, wanting to say something, but not knowing what. His expressive eyes roamed over her curvaceous body through the thin negligee she wore before returning to engage hypnotically with hers. Every nerve ending in her body tingled—feeling as if he had reached out and physically explored the path that his eyes had traveled. They began to speak without saying a word, and it was very strange, very powerful and completely entrancing.

  Come closer, his eyes seemed to say, and she did.

  I want to touch you, her eyes responded.

  Then, do it, his invited.

  Her hand rose slowly, obeying her desire and his unspoken command. She trailed her fingers down his brow to his cheekbone to the side of his mouth before stopping there. Eyes that had followed the progress of her fingertips gazed into his. She moved closer, or did he? Neither really knew nor cared; it was as if they were one, yet separate, longing to be joined.

  Kiss me, she spoke aloud or in her mind—she didn’t know which.

  I am, she heard his unspoken response as clearly as her own ragged breathing.

  Her lips parted the instant his captured hers and she both fell and was drawn into his waiting embrace. Her arms were entwined tightly around his neck. His fingers raked through her tresses, pressing her lips closer to the bruising, yet caressing, force of his.

  She closed her eyes and moaned in ecstasy as his strong hands roamed down her shoulders to her midback, pressing her closer. She yearned to feel his naked flesh against hers and shamelessly wished her gown and robe and his spotless charcoal-gray suit would magically disappear. She wanted him so much, and at this moment nothing else mattered, except the need they both shared for each other.

  His lips devastated hers again and again. She consumed him. He didn’t understand how he could want or need anyone as much as he did her. He knew if the world suddenly ended, he would be all right as long she remained right where she was, in his arms.

  They both eagerly anticipated the way this passionate embrace would end, and they welcomed it. However, soon they were interrupted by a very loud cough.

  It took several seconds before the sound registered in either of their minds. Reluctantly, his lips departed from hers and his eyes turned in the direction of the intrusion.

  Alesha was slower to respond, first wondering why Derrick had stopped kissing her. When she opened her passion-clouded eyes and followed the direction of his gaze, she saw Cam standing in the doorway, smiling broadly. She knew the reason for Derrick’s withdrawal.

  “I’m sorry to interrupt. I thought you were alone, Derrick.” Cam continued, smiling brightly, “Where are my manners? Good morning, Alesha.”

  She wished he hadn’t singled her out. Pulling the folds of her flimsy robe tightly together with one hand and smoothing her tangled hair with the other, she forced herself to meet his gaze.

  “Hello.” Her voice was a soft whisper as she quickly lowered her embarrassed eyes.

  “Is it time to leave yet?”

  Derrick easily addressed his friend, and she envied his cool composure. She herself was a mass of quivering jelly.

  “Just about.” Cam continued grinning at them both.

  “Would you two excuse me?” Alesha shot Derrick a quick glance before she nearly ran from the room and up the stairs to the safety of their bedroom.

  “Well, well, well.” Cam sat on the side of Derrick’s desk.

  “Don’t start, Cameron.” Derrick’s eyes darted regretfully to Alesha’s hastily retreating back.

  “Have you told Alesha how you feel?”

  “Not that it’s any of your business, but no.”

  “Why not?”

  “Cam, our relationship is complicated.”

  “Made so by the both of you.” He treated Derrick to an exaggerated wink before standing. “Derrick, just tell her! From what I saw, she feels the same way about you.”

  “You think so?” He walked from behind his desk and scratched his chin.

  “Oh, yeah, I think so.” He patted his shoulder. “Make it work, man, or you’ll regret it.”

  “Let’s go.” Derrick picked up his briefcase and preceded him out without answering, though his expression was very thoughtful.

  Chapter 12

  Alone in their bedroom, Alesha sat on the bed, smiling secretively to herself while replaying the last kiss Derrick and she had shared, fantasizing about the different ending both had wanted before Cam had interrupted them. She gingerly touched her lips and jumped when the phone rang. Sighing, she leaned over to pick up the handset.

  “Hello.”

  “Hi, it’s Derrick.”

  She nearly dropped the phone upon hearing his warm, husky voice. Had he somehow known she was thinking about him? Her insides warmed to know he had been thinking of her.

  “Derrick.”

  There was an uncomfortable pause, each waiting for the other to speak. She had so much she wanted to say, yet she didn’t know where to begin.

  “What do you have planned for the day?” He asked the question just to hear her voice.

  “Well, for a change, my schedule is free.” She laughed a little nervously. “I’m probably going to visit Mom.”

  “That’s good. She’ll be glad to see you. Give her my best.”

  “I will.”

  After a few seconds, he added, “I called to remind you about dinner tonight.”

  “Thanks, I remember.” She chewed on her lower lip thoughtfully.

  “Could you make sure my tux is back from the cleaners?”

  “Of course, I’ll be happy to.” She smiled, closing her eyes and picturing his handsome face. “Did you finish your speech?” That was her roundabout way of bringing the conversation back to last night.

  “No, but I will at the office.” He paused. “I’m sorry Cam walked in on us.” He came to the real purpose for his call.

  She opened her eyes and was suddenly glad he couldn’t see her. Was he apologizing for her embarrassment, or because they had been unable to finish what they had started?

  “So was I,” she said, realizing how her voice sounded. She quickly added, “What I mean is…”

  “I know what you meant.”

  She could hear the smile in his voice and embarrassment kept her from responding. She wished he was with her now so that they could… She shook her head forcefully, forestalling completion of that thought.

  “Well, I’ll see you tonight around six.”

  “Derrick?” She stalled, realizing he was about to hang up.

  “Yes?” He waited.

  “I—I’ll see you tonight. Have a good day.” She didn’t have anything else to say—she simply didn’t want to let him go.

  “Tonight,” he echoed before ending the call.

  She slowly replaced the phone in its cradle. Smiling brightly, she entered the bathroom to prepare for her day.

  A short while later, Alesha was still smiling when she sat down beside her mom on the sofa. “How have you been?”

  “I’ve been fine, but I want to hear about you and Derrick. How are the two of you doing?” She smiled.

  “Wonderfully, though we’re both very busy. I was lucky to have today free.” Alesha placed an affectionate kiss on her mother’s cheek.

  “I’m glad you did.” Barbara smiled, adding approvingly, “Derrick is a very nice man.
I’m glad you found him.”

  “Yes, so am I.” Her admission came out breathless.

  “I’ve enjoyed our talks.”

  “Your talks?” Alesha frowned.

  “Yes, dear. He calls several times a week and stops by at least once a week.”

  Her mother’s words floored her. Did Derrick really keep in such close contact with her? If so, why?

  “He does?”

  “Of course. Didn’t you know?”

  “He didn’t mention it. I suppose it slipped his mind.”

  “You’re probably right.” Her mother nodded in agreement. “I’ve told him not to try to fit me into his busy schedule, but he doesn’t listen.”

  “That’s Derrick for you.” Alesha silently pondered her mother’s words.

  “A mother couldn’t ask for a better son-in-law or husband for her only daughter. He’s such a good man.”

  “Yes, he is, Mom.” Alesha smiled contemplatively.

  “When are you two going to make me a Big Momma?”

  “Momma!” A hand flew to her mouth in shock.

  “What?” Barbara laughed at her. “You’re not getting any younger and neither am I.”

  “We’ve only been married a few months.”

  She winked conspiratorially. “That’s all it takes.”

  “I know, but let us get used to being married first, okay?”

  “What’s there to get used to?” Barbara persisted. “That’s what’s wrong with young people these days—you think you have all the time in the world. Believe me, time waits for no one.”

  “I know that, but—” she paused as an unnerving thought formed in her mind “—you haven’t talked to Derrick about this, have you?”

  “Of course not, dear. I was saving my pleading for you.”

  “Good.”

  Alesha visibly relaxed. She would have been mortified if her mother and husband had been discussing something so intimate.

  “Well?”

  “Momma, let me enjoy being a newlywed for a while.”

  Barbara sighed. “Oh, all right. As long as you remember what I said about running out of time.”

  “I’ll remember.”

  “Good.” Barbara beamed. “I can’t wait.”

  Alesha smiled at her mother indulgently, but wisely remained silent as, for the first time, she fantasized about having Derrick’s baby. At the thought of her husband, her heart began to flutter erratically.

  She had become so accustomed to being his wife in every sense of the word, even before he had slipped the wedding ring on her finger. And now her mother had planted the idea of having his child, a thought that filled her with joy. How would he react? she wondered.

  He cared for her. If she had any doubt about that, last night had erased it. The evolution of their marriage had been natural and inevitable. She had wanted him since that first kiss in his office months ago. She had wanted him every day for the past two years, though she had fought like hell against acknowledging that truth. She smiled at her mother. Life was funny and surprising. She only prayed it would give her what she wanted most—Derrick’s heart.

  That night, Alesha was dressed in a black, figure-hugging, sleeveless slip dress with a slight train at the back. She wore opera-length black satin gloves. A double-strand pearl-and-diamond bracelet rested on her left gloved wrist, and teardrop pearl-and-diamond earrings dangled from her ears. Her hair was swept loosely up with curls escaping, caressing her neck. A few loose tendrils were flung carelessly over her right eye.

  She had told Derrick she was wearing her hair as a compromise—wanting to wear it up, but knowing he preferred it loose. He had laughed at her words, though she had known her explanation had pleased him.

  Derrick was dressed in a crisp-white dinner jacket and shirt, and black slacks. He walked out of his dressing room attempting to fasten his tie. Alesha laughed at his predicament and brushed his fingers away.

  “Here, let me do it.” She picked up the material and tied it perfectly.

  She raised her eyes and found him staring at her with the strangest expression. Impulsively, he placed a feathery kiss on her lips, but moved away suddenly to inspect her handiwork in the mirror.

  “Thanks.”

  “You’re welcome.” She smiled slightly, wishing their kiss had not been so brief or so unsatisfying.

  “You look exquisite.”

  She blushed as his piercing eyes swept over her. It was amazing how a mere look from Derrick could suck the air from her lungs.

  “Thank you.” After studying his appearance, she added, “You look pretty good yourself.”

  He smiled at her words and unexpectedly asked, “How did your visit go with your mother?”

  “Fine.” She walked past him to freshen up her lipstick.

  “I’m glad.” He smiled as he walked over to stand beside her, searching the dresser top for his cuff links.

  She picked up a bottle of perfume and lightly sprayed her bare neck. Derrick inhaled the sensuous scent deeply and their eyes met again in the mirror. Her chest rose rapidly and his eyes darted to her neck. She felt breathless, as if his hands were caressing her, silently wishing they were. She lowered the perfume with one hand and picked up a double-strand pearl-and-diamond necklace with the other, her eyes never leaving his in the mirror.

  He took the necklace from her fingers and placed it around her neck before fastening it. His fingers lingered unnecessarily long on her soft flesh. There was no denying what they both wanted.

  To remove temptation, he turned and walked over to the bed and sat down. He put on his black shoes. She watched him through the mirror, wondering why he hadn’t given in to an impulse she knew they both had shared. He raised his head and caught her questioning gaze before she quickly looked away.

  “Mom asked about you.” She spoke primarily to have something to say.

  “That was nice of her.” He stood and placed a handkerchief inside the pocket of his dinner jacket.

  “She said something that surprised me.” She walked over to where he stood, placing her hand on his strong arm while she slipped into her black pumps.

  “What was that?” He looked at her curiously as she straightened to face him.

  “That you keep in regular contact with her.” She watched him closely.

  “So?” He wondered where this was leading.

  “So, why haven’t you ever mentioned it to me?”

  His eyebrows arched slightly and he stepped away to grab his keys off the nightstand. “I wasn’t aware I had to. I happen to like Barbara and I care about how she’s doing. Do you have a problem with that?”

  “No, not at all.” She was warmed by his words. “I was just surprised you hadn’t said anything about it to me.”

  He stared at her strangely. “We’d better get going.” He picked up her faux-mink black stole and helped her into it.

  “I need to put the finishing touches on my makeup. Why don’t you bring the car around?”

  “You look beautiful.” He kissed her cheek before opening the door. “But go ahead and finish your war paint and I’ll meet you downstairs.”

  “Okay.”

  He quickly descended the stairs and opened the front door, finding Diana loitering there. He didn’t bother to hide his displeasure. Damn, what now?

  “Diana, what are you doing here?”

  “May I come in?”

  “No. Alesha and I are on our way out.”

  “I need to speak with you, darling.”

  She walked past him into the foyer. He reluctantly closed the door and turned to face her.

  “First of all, I’m not your darling and, second, I don’t have time to waste on you—now or ever.”
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  “Can we go into your study?”

  “No.”

  Alesha’s footsteps faltered and stopped at the top of the stairs as Derrick’s voice and a female one she recognized as Diana’s wafted up to her. What was she doing here?

  “What do you want?”

  “I want you to take me back.”

  “Have you lost your mind?” He looked at her as if she had. “I’m married.”

  “You don’t love her,” Diana scoffed.

  “And I suppose you think I love you?” At her silence he continued, “Diana, why would I want you back and, more importantly, why would you want me? I never loved you—I made no pretense about that.”

  Her smile faltered. “That’s not true.”

  “Still delusional, I see.” He laughed. “You didn’t want a husband. You wanted a puppy dog to follow you around while you embellished your career—something I was never going to be. I wasn’t ambitious enough for you then, but now that I have a shot at being a U.S. Senator, I look better in your eyes, is that it?”

  “I’ve realized we want the same things, Derrick. I could help you become the best senator and you could help my lobbying firm once you get in office.”

  He chuckled as her motives were finally revealed. “Is that what this is all about—the powerful, influential people I will meet once I’m in the Senate? People you think can further your career?”

  “Our careers, Derrick.” Her eyes pleaded with his. “I can help you in ways she never could!”

  “I doubt that.”

  “Derrick.” Her red nails dug into his arm. “Don’t be a fool!”

  “I was once.” His eyes narrowed as he removed her hand. “But never again.”

  “I’ll go to the press.”

  He raised an eyebrow. “With what? A lame exposé of how I married you on the rebound, quickly realized my mistake and happily remedied it, but not before I felt soiled by you?”